Can a driver continue driving from an accident scene, and does doing so count as leaving the scene of an incident?
A. Zhebalenko, Sevastopol
The reader’s question is answered by the head of the Main Directorate of Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Police Lieutenant General Mikhail Chernikov. |
Yes, it is not only possible but often necessary to move after a traffic incident, provided the situation allows for safe action. According to section 2.6.1 of the SDA, when a collision results solely in material damage, the driver involved must clear the lane if the disturbance blocks other vehicles. This should be done after a careful assessment using every available method, including photographs or video recordings, to document how vehicles, road infrastructure, tracks, and objects related to the incident relate to one another and to the damage sustained by the vehicles themselves.
In cases where someone has been killed or injured, the obligation to clear the lane applies only if it is possible to move other vehicles without creating additional danger (paragraph 2.6 of the SDA). Regardless, the driver should first take steps to reproduce and preserve traces and objects connected to the incident, implement every feasible measure to safeguard the scene, and arrange a safe detour around the accident site. This careful approach helps maintain traffic flow while preserving essential evidence for any subsequent investigation.
Noncompliance with these rules can lead to administrative penalties, including a fine of 1000 rubles under Part 1 of Article 12.27 of the Code of Administrative Violations of the Russian Federation. The rules are designed to balance the need to restore traffic as quickly as possible with the necessity of safeguarding evidence and ensuring public safety. Drivers should remain calm, assess the risks, and act in accordance with the law and common-sense safety practices.
- Some readers may wonder if the procedures are being simplified for highway accident registration. The core requirement remains clear: secure the scene, document what happened, and move only if it is safe to do so.
- Questions sometimes arise about whether a driver should present a bill of lading. The responsible authorities provide their guidance to clarify such procedures and ensure proper compliance at the scene.
- It is prudent to check the availability and expiry dates of essential safety equipment such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflective vest, and warning triangle, and to ensure these items are in good condition for future incidents.
- Further information and updates can be found through official channels and ongoing safety briefings, which help keep drivers informed about current rules and best practices.